FAQ
FAQ
The Emerald Cave
What is the Emerald Cave?
The Emerald Cave, a popular destination for people visiting Las Vegas, is a small, picturesque grotto along the Colorado River known for its vibrant green water.
Where is the Emerald Cave located?
The Emerald Cave is located within the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, near Willow Beach, Arizona.
How can I see the emerald green water?
The best time to see the emerald green color is in the early afternoon when the sunlight directly hits the cave's water, creating the vivid green reflection.
Is the Emerald Cave accessible by foot or vehicle?
No, Emerald Cave is only accessible by water. Most people visit by kayak or canoe.
How long does it take to reach the Emerald Cave by kayak?
Depending on the starting point, typically takes about 1-2 hours of paddling to reach Emerald Cave from Willow Beach.
Can I swim inside the Emerald Cave?
Swimming is possible, but it's often discouraged due to the small size of the cave and the crowds of paddle craft trying to visit.
What makes the Emerald Cave's water green?
The green color of the water is due to the sunlight reflecting off algae-covered rocks beneath the water's surface, which creates the striking emerald green hue.
Is there a best time of year to visit the Emerald Cave?
The best time of year to visit is in the SPRING or FALL when the weather is mild. Summer can be very hot and crowded, and winter may be too cold for some, though the cave is accessible year-round.
Can I visit the Emerald Cave on my own, or do I need to join a tour?
You can visit the Emerald Cave on your own if you have or rent the proper equipment. However, joining a guided tour is worth the difference in price as it provides a safe and informative experience, especially for first-time visitors.
Emerald Cave Kayak Tour
How long is the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour?
The tour usually lasts between 3-4 hours, including the time to paddle to and from the cave, with some time to explore the surrounding Black Canyon water trail.
What should I bring on the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour?
Essentials include sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a camera or phone, and appropriate clothing. Waterproof bags for your belongings are provided.
Is the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is beginner-friendly. Our guide provides instruction, and the pace is generally relaxed.
What is included in the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour?
We provide you with a Kayak, Paddle, Life-Vest, Waterproof phone pouch and bag, snacks and water, and a certified kayak tour guide.
Are there age restrictions for the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour?
The minimum age for our tour is 5 years old. We recommend children younger than 10 years old go in the front seat of a tandem kayak with an adult.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Trips run rain or shine. However, we reserve the right to cancel any tour departure for weather or safety reasons and will provide a full refund for any tour cancelled by us.
Self-Guided Emerald Cave Tour
How long is the kayak rental?
Our kayak rental starts at 9 AM and must be returned by 1:30 PM. If you are not at Kayak Beach by then we will assume you are lost or injured and will contact the park rangers. You may be charged a fee by the park rangers in this case.
What should I bring on the Self-Guided Emerald Cave Tour?
Essentials include sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a camera or phone, and appropriate clothing. Waterproof bags for your belongings are also recommended.
Is the Self- Guided Emerald Cave Tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the river in this area is very calm and a popular spot for beginners. Be sure to check the weather before your visit as high winds can make kayaking very challenging.
What is included in the Self-Guided Emerald Cave Tour?
We provide you with a Kayak, Paddle, Life-Vest and general instructions on kayaking and destination points.
Are there age restrictions for the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour?
You must be over the age of 18 to rent our kayak equipment.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We provide equipment rentals rain or shine. However, we reserve the right to cancel any tour departure for weather or safety reasons and will provide a full refund for any tour cancelled by us.
Do I need to wear a Life-Vest?
Yes, the national park requires all paddle-craft to wear a life vest while on the water. The water is around 58 degrees so the shock can make it difficult to tread water without a Life-vest.
Private Kayak Tour
What is included in a private kayak tour?
The private kayak tour includes a guided paddle to the Emerald Cave, all necessary kayaking equipment, safety gear, snacks and water. The tour is exclusively for your group, ensuring a personalized experience.
How long does the private kayak tour last?
The tour generally lasts between 3-4 hours, depending on your group's pace and the time spent exploring the area.
What is the group size for a private kayak tour?
The tour can accommodate a minimum of 6 guests and a maximum of 12. Larger groups may inquire by sending an email to [email protected]
Can I customize the itinerary for the private tour?
Yes, your private tour allows for some customization. As long as the tour doesn't take longer than 4 hours you can discuss specific interests with the tour guide, such as additional stops or focusing on certain aspects of the trip.
What is the cost of a private kayak tour?
Pricing varies based on the size of your group.
What should I bring on the private kayak tour?
You should bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water, a camera or phone, appropriate clothing, and any personal items you may need. Waterproof bags are provided to protect your belongings.
Is the private tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, and the guide can adjust the pace to accommodate children. However, the age restrictions for children 5 years old.
What if someone in our group has no kayaking experience?
The tour is designed for all skill levels. The guide will provide instructions and ensure everyone is comfortable before starting. The pace can be adjusted to suit beginners.
Are there any opportunities for breaks or swimming during the tour?
Yes, the tour usually includes opportunities for breaks where you can swim, take photos, or just relax. You can coordinate these stops with your guide based on your group’s preferences.
How do we book a private kayak tour, and what is the cancellation policy?
You can book a private tour here. The cancellation policy is all tours can be cancelled with more than 48 hours notice. (48 hours from the scheduled departure time). All refunds will be processed within two business days. Cancellation requests must be in writing by replying to the confirmation email. All tours cancelled with less than 48 hours notice are non-refundable. Trips run rain or shine. However, we reserve the right to cancel any tour departure for weather or safety reasons and will provide a full refund for any tour cancelled by the Company.